Indian girl students stranded in the city of Kharkiv were safely taken out of Kharkiv yesterday with the help of Russians. They were taken to the western border of Ukraine after a 20-kilometre train journey. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to evacuate the boys. All this happened when the talks between PM Modi and President Putin were going on. Modi spoke to Putin on the issue of the safe evacuation of Indian nationals stuck in Ukraine, especially in Kharkiv.
The city, which is virtually under Russian control, is holding over 1,000 students and is facing massive shelling that claimed the life of an Indian student a few days back. According to an MEA spokesperson, around 17,000-20,000 nationals have managed to leave Ukraine till then.
PM Modi Speaks to President Putin
“The leaders reviewed the situation in Ukraine, especially in the city of Kharkiv, where many Indian students are stuck. They discussed safe evacuation of the Indian nationals from the conflict areas, “read the official statement.
Putin stressed that his country was working to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian students, via the shortest routes to Russia.”
Also Read: Putin Orders to Kill Ukraine’s President Zelensky
Russians are Helping us in Evacuation, A Government Source Reveals
A government source was quoted as saying by NDTV, “A lot of background negotiations with Russians have been going on. Now, they, in fact, are helping us in evacuation.”
He added that the Russians avoided the areas India had asked them not to target.
The Russian defence ministry even showed its readiness to send students home from Russian territories in their military transport planes.
Also Read: “Place an Indian Flag”, Father of the Indian Student Killed in Ukraine Advised in his Last Call
Vacate the Area by any Means, Indian Embassy advises
Amid the fear of intensifying Russian action, the Indian Embassy issued two urgent advisories yesterday evening. It asked all its nationals to leave the city of Kharkiv by 6 pm local time (9:30 pm IST). It asked the stranded nationals to reach Pisochyn, Babai, or Bezlyudivka, by any means, even on foot. These three cities are located 11 to 16 km south of Kharkiv.
The foreign ministry said that the advisories were based on inputs from Russia. The conflict in Kharkiv is expected to intensify as Russian paratroopers land in the city.
Indian Students taken Hostage by Ukraine, Claims Russia
The Russian side has claimed that the Ukrainian forces were using Indian students as human shields and had taken them hostage.
Also Read: Ukraine Invasion: Indian Restaurant in Kyiv Turns into Shelter, Provides Free Meals to People
Russia had Helped India During Afghan Crisis
In 2021, when American forces pulled out of Afghanistan and Taliban were taking control, Russia helped India in evacuating its citizens. According to government officials, Russia had convinced the Taliban to let the Indian mission staff reach the airport.
India Abstains from Voting Against Russia in UNGA
India, along with 34 other countries, abstained from voting against Russia in the United Nations General Assembly yesterday. The emergency meeting was held to pass a resolution demanding an end to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
India had similarly abstained from voting against Russia in the United Nations Security Council.
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